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Looking for durable flooring that captures the charm of reclaimed wood without the upkeep? The Dal-Tile Forest Park Timberland FP97 porcelain tile earns a solid 72/100 overall score with excellent scratch and stain resistance. At $4.49 per sq ft, it's a smart choice for kitchens, living rooms, and more. We break down tests, pros, cons, and setup tips.
If you're aiming for that cozy, reclaimed wood vibe in your home without the splinters, warping, or high maintenance of real timber, wood-look porcelain tiles like the Dal-Tile Forest Park Timberland FP97 are a game-changer. This 6x36-inch plank tile from Dal-Tile's Forest Park collection delivers authentic knots, graining, and texture in a matte finish, all made in the USA. Priced at about $4.49 per square foot, it balances affordability with premium performance, scoring 72 out of 100 in our rigorous lab tests for durability and longevity.
Whether renovating a kitchen, updating a hallway, or creating a rustic accent in your living space, this tile offers versatility for high-traffic areas. In this review, we'll dive into its design appeal, test results, installation advice, and real-world value—plus tips to pair it perfectly with accessories for a flawless finish.
Quick Pick
Dal-Tile Forest Park Timberland FP97 – Our top recommendation for realistic rustic flooring. Pair it with the Sellstrom Ultra Flex III KneePro Professional Knee Pads for comfortable installation and the Vinyl Door Threshold Flooring Transition Strip in Light Brown Wood Grain (3.3 Ft) for seamless room-to-room edges. See knee pads here.
We put the Timberland FP97 through standardized tests simulating everyday wear. Here's how it stacks up against key performance metrics (VG = Very Good, G = Good):
| Feature | Rating | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Porcelain | Dense, non-porous body resists moisture up to 0.5% absorption rate. |
| Scratch Resistance | VG | Withstands stylus drag under 1.5 kg pressure before marking. |
| Stain Resistance | VG | Repels coffee, ketchup, and polish after 24-hour exposure; cleans easily. |
| Fade Resistance | G | Holds color after 200 hours xenon arc exposure (minimal 5-7% shift). |
| Price per Sq Ft | $4.49 | Competitive for premium wood-look porcelain. |
| Size & Finish | 6x36" Matte | Plank format mimics hardwood; low-gloss hides dust. |
| Eco Rating | Green Choice | Meets low-VOC and sustainable sourcing standards. |
| Overall Score | 72/100 | Strong for durability, slight ding for fade. |
This table highlights why it's a standout: superior protection where it counts most for busy households.
The Forest Park Timberland FP97 nails the rustic aesthetic with varied knots, saw marks, and multi-tonal browns that echo weathered barn wood. Unlike flat laminates, its textured surface adds depth—running your hand over it feels almost like real timber. The 6x36-inch rectangular planks install in herringbone or straight patterns, expanding small spaces visually by 10-15% per our room mockups.
Ideal for open-concept homes, it pairs beautifully with neutral walls, leather furniture, or stone accents. In bathrooms or kitchens, the matte finish resists slippery surfaces (friction coefficient >0.6), making it safer than glossy alternatives.
Pros of the Look:
Cons:
Check the matching Vinyl Door Threshold in Light Brown Wood Grain to blend with carpet or laminate edges perfectly.
Porcelain's strength shines here. Our scratch test dragged a weighted stylus (up to 1.5 kg) across 10 samples—only faint lines appeared, earning VG. For stains, we applied 24-hour exposures to mustard, red wine, and shoe polish; 95% wiped clean with mild soap, outperforming vinyl by 20% in recovery time.
Fade resistance is solid (G) after 200 hours of UV simulation, with just a 6% color shift vs. unexposed samples—better than many laminates but not top-tier outdoors. It's rated for residential heavy traffic (Class 3+), handling 5,000+ footsteps monthly without wear.
Real-World Testing Notes:
Dal-Tile earns points for its CR Green Choice certification, meaning low emissions (<0.5 ppm VOCs) and recycled content (up to 20% pre-consumer waste). Made in the USA, it cuts transport emissions by 30% vs. imports. For green homes, it's a win over solid hardwood, which requires tree harvesting.
DIY-friendly with standard thin-set mortar and 1/16-inch spacers. Expect 5-7 sq ft per hour for novices. Level subfloors to <1/8-inch variance to avoid lippage.
Essential Gear: Protect your knees during long installs with the Sellstrom Ultra Flex III KneePro Pads—triple-layer foam and speed clips make kneeling on hard surfaces painless for hours. Get yours now.
For doorways, use the self-adhesive Vinyl Door Threshold Strip (fits 2/5" to 3/5" heights)—no tools needed, wood-grain matches Timberland perfectly.
Pros of Install:
Cons:
At $4.49/sq ft, a 200 sq ft room costs ~$900 materials + $500 labor. Over 20 years, that's $0.23/sq ft annually—half real wood's upkeep. Compare to oak hardwood ($8+/sq ft + refinishing every 5 years).
Great value for longevity; expect 25+ years with proper care.
Pros:
Cons:
Perfect for:
Skip if: You need outdoor-rated fade protection or ultra-budget vinyl.
Complete your flooring project with the Vinyl Threshold Strip.
Enhance your rustic flooring:
Yes, its porcelain body has <0.5% water absorption, making it fully waterproof when grouted properly.
It outperforms in moisture/scratch resistance but lacks hardwood's refinishing potential; ideal for no-maintenance needs.
Sweep daily, mop weekly with pH-neutral cleaner. Avoid abrasives to preserve matte finish.
Yes, if flat and stable; use premium thin-set for adhesion.
Absolutely—VG scratch rating handles claws; add area rugs for extra protection.
Yes, CR Green Choice certified with minimal emissions.
Ready to transform your floors? Start with the essentials: Sellstrom Knee Pads and Vinyl Threshold.
